US lawmakers bring bill to give Pak ‘terror state’ tag

India’s attempt at isolating neighbour Pakistan diplomatically received a shot in the arm, as in the United States, two influential lawmakers introduced a bill in House of Representatives to designate Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism.

The bill known as the Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act has been moved by Republican Ted Poe and Democrat Dana Rohrabacher, who is a ranking member of the influential Congressional Committee on Terrorism.

The move is a big setback for Pakistan as it came just a day ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s address to the UN General Assembly.

Ted Poe, who is chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, said Pakistan is not only an untrustworthy ally but has also aided and abetted enemies of the US for years. He said it was <g data-gr-id="32">time</g> that the US stopped paying Pakistan for its betrayal and designate it a state sponsor of terrorism. 

Poe said from harbouring Osama bin Laden to its relationship with the Haqqani network, there was more than enough evidence to determine whose side Pakistan was on in the War 

on Terror.

In a separate statement ahead of the bill, Poe condemned the terrorist attack in Uri, saying this is just the “latest consequence of Pakistan’s longstanding irresponsible policy of supporting and providing operational space for all stripes of jihadi terrorist groups.”

“Pakistan’s reckless behaviour in this regard is a serious security risk to its neighbours - and <g data-gr-id="33">India unfortunately</g> pays the price all too often. We condemn this tragic attack, as well as Pakistan’s support for many criminals like the ones who carried it out, and stand firm in our commitment to our friends in India,” Poe said.

The move in the US senate comes after Pakistan failed to “internationalise the Kashmir issue” at the United Nations. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s effort to raise the matter in the UN has so far gained no traction. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon made no reference to Kashmir in his final speech to the UN General Assembly. 

Ban touched upon a cross-section of global issues including the Syrian crisis, the Palestinian issue, the refugee and migrant movements and tension in the Korean Peninsula at the opening session of the General Debate on Tuesday.